Pull-socket.



MAY I9. I915- Pa-tented Wt. 26, 19115.

mmme. PULL SOCKET.

APPLICATION FILED mg w,

sraras earlier enrich. A

JAMES G. GIRLING, F HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOR TO THE ARROW ELECTRIC 'COMIPANY, 0F HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT, A CORPORATION OF CONNECTICUT.

PULL-SOCKET.

To all whom it may concern.

lie it known that T, JAMES G. GIRLING, a

, citizen of the United States of America,

and residing in the city of Hartford,county of Hartford, and State of Connecticut, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Pull-Sockets, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates topull sockets and more particularly to porcelain pull sockets, the object of my invention being to provide an improved pull connection for the switch mechanism in sockets of this nature.

lo the accompanying drawing, Figure 1 is-a side elevation of a porcelain pull socket in which my invention is embodied; and Fig. .2 is a. vertical section therethrough.

The present invention relates to electric lamp sockets in which the switch mechanism is mounted within-a porcelain casing, and

specifically to sockets of this character in which the switchmechanism is of the pull type. i

- The object of my invention-is to provide an easy running, insulated pull element for actuating the switch mechanism.

As here shown, the present socket comprises a casing bodyQlO of porcelain or the ike, carrying a cap 11 which incloses the wire terminals mounted on the upper button 12 of the socket body located in the switch chamber 13 of the casing and supported on the diaphragm 14 of the latter. The switch mechanism is of well known ratchet type having a pivoted actuating plate 15 carrying a chain rail 13 and subjected to the influence of the return spring 17. Secured to, the chain rail is a pull chain 18 provided over toe relativelvthin edgeof the porcei: lain wall at-t'he hole 21, and 1s 1n no danger oil? coming into contact with electrically alive portions of the socket within. the switch chaml'ier l3.

As heretofore constructed, porcelain sockets the pull type have been operated Specification of LettersPatent. p e e pm, 2 3191 Application filed May 18, 1915.

Serial No. 29,178.

by pull chains which extend into the socket to the switch actuating mechanism. The wallof the porcelain casing is necessarily so thinhowever, (in order to reduce weight, cost and improve appearances) that a chain does not pass freely over the edge ofthe hole-but 'rasps thereover as each successive ball passes through the opening. This re sults not only in a noisy operation of the switch, but also in an abrasion of the glaze at the hole and the operation of the switch becomes more' and more defective in accordance With the extent of its use. As a consequence it has become common to form a bell at the hole 21 in order to support the chain and let it run freely and smoothly. A projecting bell of this character however is readily broken and when broken, its sharp edges not only wear the chain but catch it and prevent the free actuation of the pull chain. Moreover a metallic guide bell is not harmonious, with the porcelain casing and detracts from the appearance of the fitting.

The present invention obviates the necessity for the bell, since the flexible cord passes as freely over the edge of the hole 21 in the porcelain as it does over a bell.

Being smooth and passing easily over the surface enamel of the porcelain, it does not chip or wear the latter and the hole consequently remains smooth indefinitely. Being an insulator, it affords an effective insulation for the outer pull end of the chain. It

further insures a relatively silent operation of the switch mechanism.

I am aware that a flexible cord has previously been suggested as a pull element for switches. So far as I am aware however it has been used only in connection with chain bells and where chains would operate equally well and it has been used solely for its lightness. So far as I know, it has never been combined witha chain as a pull element nor has it been combined with a chain at the end of the latter which is secured to the switch mechanism, nor has it been employed with a -porcelain socket where its value is essentially due to its mechanical flexibility and its character as an insulator. It may be \pointed out that the addition of the chain to the pull end of the cord had the advantage of maintaining the latter taut and straight; an important feature since cord used alone is light and apt to warp with moisture.

The precise nature of the cord may be I iiaried. That here shown is round and woven in tubular form so that it presents a rounded, smooth surface to the edge of vthe porcelain. The switch construction may be of any type having a pull operated actuating mechanism.

I claim as my invention An electric lamp socket comprising. a poreelain casing haying. a guide hole in its side walha'switch mechanism of the pull-actuated type within the casingand a pull eletached to the switch actuating mechanism, 1 r

.switch mechanism, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of tWo subscribing Witnesses.

JAMES G. GIRLING.

Witnesses I FRANK ALLEY, BENJ. PERKINS.

Copies of this patent marry he a Easr five cents each, by addressing the Gemmissiuner of Patents,

, wexshingtemn. 

